Did you catch the report this morning on Channel Nine's 'Today' show?
Dr Josie Barbaro, from La Trobe University, explained the new research in the cues they have established for early autism detection.
Here it is. Click on this link.
Why is early detection important? The longer you leave a diagnosis, the less you are engaging with early intervention, such as speech therapy, play groups, and occupational therapy.
These may not make much sense now if your child has not been diagnosed (but you suspect he or she has autism), but it will once you set off on that journey, and can later look back at the benefits of intervention when you see vast improvements over time in your child.
My fave part of this 'Today' clip? When Nicole Rogerson, founding director and CEO of Autism Awareness Australia and managing director of the Lizard Children's Centre (provider of early intervention programs for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder), says, "Don't listen to the lovely cousin Joyce who says, 'Look, Bill was 25 before he spoke, and now he's heading NASA!'"
Brilliant, Nicole.
I know EXACTLY what you mean by that.
When I got the diagnosis for my son Rafael at age 2 (although I know at 1 year and 8 months. Yes, I can pinpoint it), I vividly recall saying to my husband: "I don't want to hear any bullshit from anyone who says, 'Don't worry! He will grow out of it!'
"Here is the diagnosis. We have work to do. There is no point denying it, or listening to any stories about anyone's anybody. This is our son, and we know what we are doing."
Trust me, you become 'tiger mother' who has to roll up sleeves and get to work. Listening to well-meaning stories is okay, but don't let it derail what you know is the truth. As Nine's Lisa Wilkinson says in this interview, "trusting your gut."
Amen to that.
Bravo Dr Barbaro. Here's to more and more research into early detection into autism, and helping families to figure out what to do, sooner.
Dr Josie Barbaro, from La Trobe University, explained the new research in the cues they have established for early autism detection.
Here it is. Click on this link.
Why is early detection important? The longer you leave a diagnosis, the less you are engaging with early intervention, such as speech therapy, play groups, and occupational therapy.
These may not make much sense now if your child has not been diagnosed (but you suspect he or she has autism), but it will once you set off on that journey, and can later look back at the benefits of intervention when you see vast improvements over time in your child.
My fave part of this 'Today' clip? When Nicole Rogerson, founding director and CEO of Autism Awareness Australia and managing director of the Lizard Children's Centre (provider of early intervention programs for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder), says, "Don't listen to the lovely cousin Joyce who says, 'Look, Bill was 25 before he spoke, and now he's heading NASA!'"
Brilliant, Nicole.
I know EXACTLY what you mean by that.
When I got the diagnosis for my son Rafael at age 2 (although I know at 1 year and 8 months. Yes, I can pinpoint it), I vividly recall saying to my husband: "I don't want to hear any bullshit from anyone who says, 'Don't worry! He will grow out of it!'
"Here is the diagnosis. We have work to do. There is no point denying it, or listening to any stories about anyone's anybody. This is our son, and we know what we are doing."
Trust me, you become 'tiger mother' who has to roll up sleeves and get to work. Listening to well-meaning stories is okay, but don't let it derail what you know is the truth. As Nine's Lisa Wilkinson says in this interview, "trusting your gut."
Amen to that.
Bravo Dr Barbaro. Here's to more and more research into early detection into autism, and helping families to figure out what to do, sooner.
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